DAYAK Figurine - Borneo - Indonesia - Circa 1880 - 1910

A superb Dayak ancestral figure standing 14" tall. This is a very old piece as can be seen by the patina and splits to wood. Note the tribal markings to head and back. The Dayak or Dyak /ˈdaɪ.ək/ are the native people of Borneo. The name DAYAK is a loose term for over 200 riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic subgroups, located principally in the interior of Borneo, each with its own dialect, customs, laws, territory and culture, although common distinguishing traits are readily identifiable. Dayak languages are categorised as part of the Austronesian languages in Asia. The Dayak were animist in belief. Many however, converted to Christianity, and some to Islam more recently. Estimates for the Dayak population range from 2 to 4 million.